Forestry
A significant amount of land in Scotland is used for Forestry purposes. SEPA are responsible for ensuring that Forest developments are designed to consider and, where possible, benefit the environment. We do this by overseeing various types of regulation and producing guidance and advice in partnership with those working in or involved with the forestry industry.
Resources
The UK Forestry Standard and associated guidelines provide relevant information in support of our specific regulatory requirements. It aims for environmental excellence in delivering sustainable forestry management and includes key subject areas such as Biodiversity; Climate Change; Soil and Water.
Scotland’s Environment Web contains a wide range of useful information on how forestry can affect the environment, both positively and negatively, and how they are managed and monitored to ensure compliance with good forestry practices.
NetRegs contains up to date regulatory information to assist in keeping forestry sites legally compliant.
Another useful resource is a simplified 'Know the rules' Forestry Guide to help contractors to comply with good practice.
For information on River Basin Management planning (RBMP), go to SEPA's RBMP pages.
How is forestry regulated?
SEPA published its Forestry & Wood Processing Sector Plan in 2019 and are actively working on addressing the aims and objectives within it.
From 1 November 2025, water, waste management and industrial activities will be regulated under the Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations 2018 (EASR). EASR replaces eight existing regulations, including for example The Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2011 (CAR), and The Waste Management Licensing (Scotland) Regulations 2011.
For guidance relating to water in forestry, you can view the water activity pages.
Common activities include:
- Storage and application of fertiliser where not already covered by other regulations
- Application of pesticides
- Cultivation of land
- Discharges of surface water run-off
- Construction and maintenance of roads and tracks
- Building of new watercourse crossings or other watercourse engineering works
- Operation of vehicles, plant or machinery in or near watercourses